Practice Question
A nurse is participating in an interprofessional care conference for a client who received a new diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer earlier that day. The nurse should inform the team that which of the following is an example of paternalism?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
The provider had pre-arranged for the client to begin chemotherapy in the morning.
Rationale:
💎 Paternalism occurs when a healthcare professional makes decisions for the client without their consent or input, believing it is in the client’s best interest. This overrides the client’s autonomy—their right to make informed decisions about their own care.
💎 By pre-arranging chemotherapy before discussing treatment options or obtaining the client’s consent, the provider assumes control of the decision-making process, demonstrating paternalistic behavior.
💎 Ethical nursing practice emphasizes respect for autonomy, meaning the client should be fully informed and involved in choosing whether to begin treatment.
💎 The nurse’s role in such a situation includes advocating for the client’s right to participate in care decisions and ensuring informed consent is obtained before initiating any therapy.
💎 Paternalism may arise from a provider’s intent to protect or help, but it undermines client-centered care by denying the client’s voice in their treatment choices.
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This question is from RN Concept Based Level Assessment 4 which contains 140 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A nurse manager is presenting an in-service about indications of possible substance use disorder among nursing staff. Which of the following examples should the nurse manager include?
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Concept-Based Assessment Level Exam(s)
- Answer Choices: 4